ATU Hosts Every Student Counts Conference

More than 300 higher education professionals representing more than 50 institutions of higher learning from across a five-state region visited Arkansas Tech University on Friday, April 12, for a conference entitled “Every Student Counts.”

The event was a collaborative effort between the Arkansas Student Affairs Association, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Region IV-West and the Arkansas Tech University Division of Student Affairs.

Participants chose between one of two tracks for the day: student persistence and retention or first-generation student excellence.

“By the time today is complete, you will have an enhanced grasp of the barriers to student success that exist in higher education,” said ATU President Dr. Robin E. Bowen in her remarks opening the conference. “You will gain a greater understanding of how collaboration across campus yields an environment where each student is valued. You will return to your roles with new strategies for contributing to student success.

“Beyond those stated learning outcomes,” continued Bowen, “I also hope that today has intrinsic value for you on a personal level and a professional level. I hope that you make and strengthen connections in a way that builds your network of higher education peers. I hope today inspires you to keep pushing forward in the important work you perform on a daily basis. And I hope that you leave here with an unwavering belief in and dedication to three words: every student counts.”

Kimberlie Moock, who has more than 20 years of experience in enrollment, student success and student engagement, delivered the conference keynote. She is pursuing a doctoral degree in higher education and organizational leadership, policy and development at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.